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I've looked and looked at TVs and, aside from a couple of Sony 240Hz LCDs, I saw none that I'd consider buying. I just keep going back to the Panny plasmas.

I still haven't seen another display that beats my calibrated 65S1, and that was their "bargain" set at the time. I checked recently, and after almost 2.5 years, I've still got almost Kuro-like black levels (.08 candelas vs. .03), and with the right source material, shows look almost 3D.

Since we have grandkids, I found one of the best PQ "showcase" recordings is the first 10 or 15 minutes of any episode of Sesame Street. It's like they're in the room with you, and the memory colors are spot-on.

I wonder tho, If the buzz was caused by vibration, the vibration would come from the internal speakers, yes?

How do you { Rich} play your audio? through the tv speakers or an audio system?

I use a avr 98% of the time. Believe me, if I could get Panasonic to do preventative medicine, I would. But Spock is right, they won't.

I just looked at a sea of tv's at wallyworld the other day, and an older panny plasma [ I think it was a 720p] was right next to a new LED [ I forget the brand, could have been an LG] The older panny still looked better, IMO. I'm hooked.

The only regret I have at this point is I should have gone to a 55". I originally had a 46 in my head when I first started looking, my family thought I bought too big at 50, Lesson here: Don't listen to your family, listen to that little voice in your head!

I wonder tho, If the buzz was caused by vibration, the vibration would come from the internal speakers, yes?

How do you { Rich} play your audio? through the tv speakers or an audio system?

I use a avr 98% of the time. Believe me, if I could get Panasonic to do preventative medicine, I would. But Spock is right, they won't.

I just looked at a sea of tv's at wallyworld the other day, and an older panny plasma [ I think it was a 720p] was right next to a new LED [ I forget the brand, could have been an LG] The older panny still looked better, IMO. I'm hooked.

The only regret I have at this point is I should have gone to a 55". I originally had a 46 in my head when I first started looking, my family thought I bought too big at 50, Lesson here: Don't listen to your family, listen to that little voice in your head!

The buzz was from the whole board vibrating as the colors changed. White caused the most vibration. Nothing came thru my AV system.

Yeah, bigger is always better. I'm still regretting not buying that 65" model. I just measured wrong. Have plenty of space for an even bigger model. A mistake I won't make again.

Were I you, I'd be calling Panasonic's Concierge service and getting lock-nuts put on that board before it starts buzzing. Thing almost drove me nuts.

Short drive.

Rich

Hope you'r around today! [ this is a big "oh,oh"]

I was cleaning around my 50"ST30 today and [ gulp] It's there.

It only had a faint [ hum] when I first got it, you could only hear it from the back of the tv. It's noticeable now, upper and mid left side. I'm guessing the buzz is telegraphing down the left.

How far away were you when you heard it? It seems about 2 to 3 feet from the front for me,[ more when you are off to the left side] and yes, when the picture is dark, it's not as noisy, but when more light is shown the buzz increases.

I need a little hand holding as I've never had to contact them for anything, and my warranty will be up in about three weeks.

What info do they need? I'm quite sure I registered it online when I bought it.I don't have to fax anything, do I? Is the concierge number 1-877 958-4372?Did you call early or late in the day? I'm guessing not over the weekend? Anything else you can think of? I never did any internet update to my TV, did they ask you that? [ I read somewhere that is something they ask, but this is not an update issue] I've also read some horror stories about CS, I'm getting worried just thinking about this.

It only had a faint [ hum] when I first got it, you could only hear it from the back of the tv. It's noticeable now, upper and mid left side. I'm guessing the buzz is telegraphing down the left.

That's it. The board in question is on the left side as you face the screen.

How far away were you when you heard it? It seems about 2 to 3 feet from the front for me,[ more when you are off to the left side] and yes, when the picture is dark, it's not as noisy, but when more light is shown the buzz increases.

As you get a "whiter" picture the board will get louder. It will decrease as the picture gets darker.

I need a little hand holding as I've never had to contact them for anything, and my warranty will be up in about three weeks.

What info do they need? I'm quite sure I registered it online when I bought it.I don't have to fax anything, do I? Is the concierge number 1-877 958-4372?Did you call early or late in the day? I'm guessing not over the weekend? Anything else you can think of? I never did any internet update to my TV, did they ask you that? [ I read somewhere that is something they ask, but this is not an update issue] I've also read some horror stories about CS, I'm getting worried just thinking about this.

Help!Chris

So much for my vibration theory!

You need the receipt, you only have a year's warranty, the Concierge Service is aware of this problem, so you don't have to worry about getting it serviced quickly. Don't remember when I called, I went to Panny's website and got the info I needed and made the call, the number's on the website. There hasn't been an update released yet, but the Tech that came out had an SD card with an update on it and installed it as courtesy. The whole job took much less than a half hour.

If you don't get it fixed it will just get louder, best to do it ASAP.

Just reread this post and I can see where it does sound a bit wacky. But now you know...

Rich

Thanks for the reply, I called panasonic earlier today and got "tech support" . The actual "concierge number" doesn't exist according to the tech [ they have to put you through] and had to go through some hoops, [ shutting off speakers from menu, disconecting the HDMI cable from receiver, etc.] but I got a case number, and they tried to put me through to concierge but it was busy. The tech said I needed my reciept and to call the service tech, but I told him I thought the concierge had to do that?So he told me to call back later to reach concierge service. So, did you set up the service call, or did the concierge service do it for you?

That update you got would be nice, do you remember what it was for?

I can't thank you enough for this thread, as my warranty is getting close to expiring.

I talked to the service rep before I called Panny and he was familiar with the problem [ He was very pleasant] I also asked how much a standard service call would cost once the warranty is up, and he gave me an approximate $300.00 parts and labor.So now I'm looking at a 3 year[ extended] from Panny for 360$. The service rep did indicate to me, however, that Panasonic, in his experience, does not have alot of issues. So it's still a crap shoot buying the warranty, although one service call would pay for the warranty. The warranty has to be purchased before my manufacturer warranty is up however, so I have a couple of weeks to decide. UGH.

Since I bought my first Panny plasma in '07, I've had noise problems with two of them. The first one I bought at Costco and returned it, this one I had fixed. So, in total, I've had nine Panny plasmas and had problems with two of them. Not a good batting average and not a good track record, but the Tech who was here yesterday did say that the Panny plasmas are the best TVs he's seen and have the least problems. Best I've seen or I wouldn't have bought so many.

Rich

The costco TV you returned, did you exchange it for another? I saw a panny at Sam's that could be a real good deal, can I assume these club tv's are OK?It's a 2012 model, just not their higher end. [ about 500$ cheaper than my st30, no 3D, or internet connection, but I never use those features now on the st30, so who cares?] I've been looking for a replacement for my bedroom crt for months now, this might be it, even though it's a 50"- I guess panasonic didn't make anything smaller this year- and the inputs are limited.[only 2 hdmi's,etc. I would have to look around for a used avr with a optical in as well.

Thanks for the reply, I called panasonic earlier today and got "tech support" . The actual "concierge number" doesn't exist according to the tech [ they have to put you through] and had to go through some hoops, [ shutting off speakers from menu, disconecting the HDMI cable from receiver, etc.] but I got a case number, and they tried to put me through to concierge but it was busy. The tech said I needed my reciept and to call the service tech, but I told him I thought the concierge had to do that?So he told me to call back later to reach concierge service. So, did you set up the service call, or did the concierge service do it for you?

I went thru that, now that you reminded me, and I got transferred to the Concierge Service and everything went smoothly. The CS CSR set up the Tech's visit and assured me that it was a known problem and that the Tech would have the parts needed to repair the TV (parts turned out to be several lock washers).

That update you got would be nice, do you remember what it was for?

Had something to do with the colors. Took me a few days to get back to a good picture, since then the PQ's been good.

I can't thank you enough for this thread, as my warranty is getting close to expiring.

Did you use a credit card to buy the TV. If you did you might want to give them a call (the credit card people) and see if using your card extends the warranty.

I talked to the service rep before I called Panny and he was familiar with the problem [ He was very pleasant] I also asked how much a standard service call would cost once the warranty is up, and he gave me an approximate $300.00 parts and labor.

To put on several lock washers? Something that was their mistake in the first place?

So now I'm looking at a 3 year[ extended] from Panny for 360$. The service rep did indicate to me, however, that Panasonic, in his experience, does not have alot of issues. So it's still a crap shoot buying the warranty, although one service call would pay for the warranty. The warranty has to be purchased before my manufacturer warranty is up however, so I have a couple of weeks to decide. UGH.

Crap shoot at best. I've bought 9 Panny plasmas since 2007 and only the one I bought from Costco had a problem (aside from the one we're talking about) and I quickly brought it back. They only allow for 90 day returns now. Went to another store and got the same model for hundreds less and that one is still rolling along. The rest of them are fine. Don't know if I'd get the warranty, that's a personal choice. I've still got my Amex extended warranty on the TV I had the problem with and that's good for another year come December.

The costco TV you returned, did you exchange it for another? I saw a panny at Sam's that could be a real good deal, can I assume these club tv's are OK?

I think Sam's still has the "anytime" warranty on TVs, not sure, I don't like Sam's and they give everyone a hard time when returning big items. What you've got to watch at Sam's and Costco is the model numbers. If they're slightly different from the normal model numbers, you can bet some features are missing. I don't buy TVs from them anymore.

It's a 2012 model, just not their higher end. [ about 500$ cheaper than my st30, no 3D, or internet connection, but I never use those features now on the st30, so who cares?] I've been looking for a replacement for my bedroom crt for months now, this might be it, even though it's a 50"- I guess panasonic didn't make anything smaller this year- and the inputs are limited.[only 2 hdmi's,etc. I would have to look around for a used avr with a optical in as well.

I've got a 50" in my bedroom and another bedroom and they're a perfect fit. If I remember correctly, that 50" you're looking at has something off on its resolution compared to the ST30s, so you won't get the same PQ.

I think Sam's still has the "anytime" warranty on TVs, not sure, I don't like Sam's and they give everyone a hard time when returning big items. What you've got to watch at Sam's and Costco is the model numbers. If they're slightly different from the normal model numbers, you can bet some features are missing. I don't buy TVs from them anymore.

I've got a 50" in my bedroom and another bedroom and they're a perfect fit. If I remember correctly, that 50" you're looking at has something off on its resolution compared to the ST30s, so you won't get the same PQ.

Rich

?It's a TC50PU54 which someone [ on AVS] translated into a TCP50U50.

Problem is, ST's are now history, and if you can find one the price is more than what I paid for mine new last year.

Problem is, ST's are now history, and if you can find one the price is more than what I paid for mine new last year.

Well, that's a bummer.

Just looked at the specs for the TC50PU54 and they look OK. But the TCP50U50 looks like it has the same specs and it is much cheaper. See this Link.

Both look like they would be good. Remember the line that says "Costco extends the manufacturer's warranty to two years" only works if you buy it with an Amex card which will do the same thing no matter where you buy it. The only difference that I know of is Costco handles the Concierge Service for you. If you buy it somewhere else, you have to call the CS yourself the first year and Amex the second year. And Costco does have that 90 day return.

[[QUOTE]QUOTE=Rich;3097422]That's it. The board in question is on the left side as you face the screen.[/QUOTE]

That's the "A" board, and when the tech showed up Friday, he said 3 of the screws were loose. I helped turn the tv around, but he declined help with the back panel. He knew they can be sharp-edged. I watched anyway, to see what it looked like inside. Oh, and by the way, he also replaced the screws on the board on the right side as well, per panasonic's instructions. Thought you should know.

[QUOTE]As you get a "whiter" picture the board will get louder. It will decrease as the picture gets darker[/QUOTE].

Back to the normal hum when you stick your head behind tv.

You need the receipt, you only have a year's warranty, the Concierge Service is aware of this problem, so you don't have to worry about getting it serviced quickly. Don't remember when I called, I went to Panny's website and got the info I needed and made the call, the number's on the website. [QUOTE]There hasn't been an update released yet, but the Tech that came out had an SD card with an update on it and installed it as courtesy[/QUOTE]. The whole job took much less than a half hour.

If you don't get it fixed it will just get louder, best to do it ASAP.

Rich[/QUOTE]

I got the firmware update [ apparently there's only one] and I totally forgot to write down my settings, so I've been playing with it for the last few days [ update takes it back to factory settings, which according to the service tech most people use ?????? hard to believe......]

One thing he did mention, in his experience, plasma's seem to last longer than LCD's and are easier to repair. Just thought I'd pass that on.

That's the "A" board, and when the tech showed up Friday, he said 3 of the screws were loose. I helped turn the tv around, but he declined help with the back panel. He knew they can be sharp-edged. I watched anyway, to see what it looked like inside. Oh, and by the way, he also replaced the screws on the board on the right side as well, per panasonic's instructions. Thought you should know.

.

Back to the normal hum when you stick your head behind tv.

You need the receipt, you only have a year's warranty, the Concierge Service is aware of this problem, so you don't have to worry about getting it serviced quickly. Don't remember when I called, I went to Panny's website and got the info I needed and made the call, the number's on the website. . The whole job took much less than a half hour.

If you don't get it fixed it will just get louder, best to do it ASAP.

Rich

I got the firmware update [ apparently there's only one] and I totally forgot to write down my settings, so I've been playing with it for the last few days [ update takes it back to factory settings, which according to the service tech most people use ?????? hard to believe......]

One thing he did mention, in his experience, plasma's seem to last longer than LCD's and are easier to repair. Just thought I'd pass that on.

Thanks again:)

Glad it worked. Yeah, that update screwed up my picture for a while too. Being almost terminally lazy, it took me a week or so of watching a crappy picture to finally work up the energy to spend the ten minutes it took to get my good picture back. Next hum I hear, I'll be in the back of that sucker and I'll put the lock washers on myself. Wearing heavy gloves, of course.

This sounds like a simple job anyone with a little knowledge of tools could do, but if you don't take a lot of care with that back cover, you'll be in the emergency room getting stitches. That back cover has edges that are, literally, razor sharp. The Tech who fixed my set was in the ER twice (I think that's what he said) for severe cuts from the back cover.

In short, it's an easy fix, but great care must be taken with that hideously sharp back cover.

I do it myself. I'll PM you the settings as soon as I get straightened out.

I mean, 10 minutes? [ you must have written them down ]

I didn't know the Tech was gonna screw up the set with that update or I would have taken a picture of the settings.

I forgot to mention, the tech brought screws that panasonic sent him, they were longer than original with the lock washers. In case you need to do your own surgery on it. [ hope not]

Now that you mention it, I do remember him taking out screws and lock washers. Should be able to get the proper screws if needed. Still have well over a year in warranty (Amex add on warranty included in that).

I do it myself. I'll PM you the settings as soon as I get straightened out.

I didn't know the Tech was gonna screw up the set with that update or I would have taken a picture of the settings.

Now that you mention it, I do remember him taking out screws and lock washers. Should be able to get the proper screws if needed. Still have well over a year in warranty (Amex add on warranty included in that).

I do it myself. I'll PM you the settings as soon as I get straightened out.

I didn't know the Tech was gonna screw up the set with that update or I would have taken a picture of the settings.

Now that you mention it, I do remember him taking out screws and lock washers. Should be able to get the proper screws if needed.

Still have well over a year in warranty (Amex add on warranty included in that).

Rich

checked my CC, made the call, they said it was covered, but procedure is different. Have to get a quote for the repair, if they approve it [ can't be more than the value of the tv] I pay the repair tech, then get re-imbursed from them. [ they said they would re-imburse the service call for the quote too]More hassle, but better than nothing, or, paying 365$ for a "panasonic" extended warranty[ 2year I believe]